‘Bad Boy’ Barry Pletch Laces Up for Another Year as the Official Ring Announcer for FTEC 2023

Article By: Luis Parades

“LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!” These words were made famous by legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer, setting the bar high for engaging and dynamic boxing events all over the world. A skilled and enthusiastic ring announcer can be the one element that takes a great event and makes it spectacular. Every great event needs a voice, and Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is extremely proud to have the talented Barry Pletch back on our team as the Official FTEC 2023 Ring Announcer. Every year, Barry brings his A-game, and his enthusiasm and passion for what he does shine through, helping to make Fight To End Cancer the truly one-of-a-kind event that it is.

Barry’s many contributions to the event have been a major part of its continued success. Not only does Barry work very hard to prepare for and announce during the gala, but he is also an important member of the executive committee, contributing year-round to make Fight To End Cancer even bigger and better every year.

“Cancer isn’t a stranger to anyone. We’ve all been saddened by this disease.  I lost my grandmother when I was young and still miss her to this day. My uncle passed away and it was shocking to the whole family how fragile life really is. My father-in-law was the quirkiest, wisest, kindest man I have ever met and it was heartbreaking to witness him lose his battle to cancer. Young moms in my neighbourhood have recently passed away from this horrible disease causing everyone to ask, ‘Why her?’

In spite of the surrounding reality – I truly believe in the FTEC mission. In previous years at FTEC, it was announced that the donations from FTEC have gone directly to research at Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation in the field of immunology. It was revealed to everyone in the room the breakthroughs that are happening!  That night I went home and bawled my eyes out from pure pride that FTEC is TRULY making a difference. I wholeheartedly believe we WILL conquer cancer in our lifetime.

Every year I am drawn by the personalities of the fighters – their passion, their stories, their list of people they are fighting for, and their dedication to the FTEC mission. The night will be filled with pure adrenaline in the ring and pure love and positive energy in the entire venue. It’s magical. The energy is powerful. Something everyone needs to experience, so get your tickets now!”

~ ‘Bad Boy’ Barry Pletch, Official Fight To End Cancer Ring Announcer

MEET BARRY PLETCH | OFFICIAL FTEC RING ANNOUNCER

How did you get involved with Fight To End Cancer?

I have known Rob Gorican, Production Director at FTEC, from when I performed in live theatre in the 1990s and when I was a Co-Host for the Miss Canada International Pageant in 1999 & 2000. I bumped into him one day in the spring of 2013 at an LCBO. We chatted and the whole time I noticed his physical features had changed dramatically since the last time I saw him. He had cheekbones and a jawline that I had never seen before. I was deeply concerned for his well-being. As we parted ways I asked Rob, “Are you okay – I mean – health-wise? You’ve lost a LOT of weight.” His eyes opened wide and smiled ear to ear and said he was in the best shape of his life! He was training at the Kingsway Boxing Club to be in the ring for the upcoming 2013 Fight to End Cancer and was having such a great experience with the whole campaign. The bonus was all the time he spent in the gym.

In 2013, Rob Gorican brought his love for entertainment to the Fight To End Cancer, literally singing his way to the ring.

In the early winter of 2014, Rob reached out and informed me that the Fight To End Cancer was interviewing candidates for the role of Ring Announcer and that my experience from the Pageants might be a nice fit. From there, I met the charismatic and driven leader of FTEC – Jennifer Huggins. Like many, many people, I was immediately drawn by her passion, dedication, and enthusiasm for the mission of FTEC – to conquer cancer in our lifetime. We hit it off immediately and she extended the invite for me to be part of this amazing team: this amazing family.

What is your position with FTEC?

My position is Ring Announcer. I am the person who steps in the ring and doesn’t get hit. At times, the role can be like a ringleader at a three-ring circus from all the energy and events during the fun-filled night because you never know how a fight will go. These are real sanctioned fights. These everyday people become extraordinary fighters boxing in the ring with hundreds of people cheering them on. I’ve shed a few tears and experienced flocks of goosebumps every night. It’s a night like no other and I love every second of it!

Tell us about a day in the life of you.

For my regular job, I am a Territory Account Manager for Great Lakes Brewery (GLB) – a fantastic craft brewery right here in Toronto. I have the dream job, along with the GLB Family, of making the world a better place with fresh beer from GLB.  No day is typical — mostly partnering with great bars and restaurants across this province to have our brands on tap. Or, you can find me working at special events and festivals to interact with our fans and to introduce our tasty brew to folks curious about craft beer.

Barry with Official Fight Team Coach Virgil Barrow at FTEC Media Day 2016
Photo Credit: Dayrit Photography

Barry has done so much for the Fight To End Cancer and we could not be more proud to have him on our team and in our Fight To End Cancer family. His voice sets the tone for the entirety of the event and his hard work and dedication make Fight To End Cancer the unique and remarkable event that it is. We are always looking for more people ready to take on the fight and if you’re interested please Contact Us and Volunteer! Together we can end cancer once and for all!

DEFEAT IS NOT AN OPTION!

Public Relations Team, Fight To End Cancer
info@fighttoendcancer.com

Donations to our Fight Team can be made at: fighttoendcancer.com.
Photos available upon request.

Interview Opportunities:
Interview Opportunities are available in studio, on site, and via phone or email with:

• Jennifer Huggins (Executive Director and Founder, Fight To End Cancer)
• Virgil Barrow (Fight Team Head Coach, Kingsway Boxing Club)
• FTEC 2023 Fight Team members (contacts available upon request)
• Presenting Partners:
  • Landscape Plus Ltd. (Since 2015)
  • Grafton Apparel Ltd. (Since 2014)

About The Fight To End Cancer

The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year-round initiative carried out by ambassadors, sponsors and volunteers worldwide.  Over $2,000,000 has been donated to date, since our inaugural year, in 2012.  Funds raised by FTEC are donated directly to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.  Each year we celebrate the incredible hard work and dedication of our FTEC family with a black-tie charity boxing gala.  This gala showcases ten men and women who represent our Official Fight Team.  Our goal is to raise funds for cancer research year-round with the support of the local community and business owners.  Let’s make a difference now in the fight to end cancer, for a long and successful future for everyone.  This is an event like no other and has quickly become one of the most anticipated events in Toronto. www.fighttoendcancer.com

About The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which now includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Breast Cancer Research Institute. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.thepmcf.ca